Decimetre

Unit of length equal to 10 centimeters

Unit system	Metric system
Unit of	Length
Symbol	dm
Named after

A decimetre (dm) is a unit of length in the metric system, equal to one-tenth of a metre (0.1 m) or 10 centimetres. It is a commonly used unit of measurement in various fields, including science, engineering, and everyday life.

Etymology

The term "decimetre" is derived from the Latin word "decimus," meaning "tenth," and the Greek word "metron," meaning "measure." It was introduced as part of the metric system during the French Revolution to standardize measurements across different regions.

Usage

The decimetre is not as commonly used as other metric units like the metre, centimetre, or millimetre. However, it is still used in certain contexts where a measurement of intermediate scale is required. For example, in hydrology, the depth of water bodies is sometimes measured in decimetres.

Conversion

The decimetre can be easily converted to other units of length within the metric system:

• 1 decimetre = 0.1 metres
• 1 decimetre = 10 centimetres
• 1 decimetre = 100 millimetres

Related Units

• Metre: The base unit of length in the metric system.
• Centimetre: One-hundredth of a metre.
• Millimetre: One-thousandth of a metre.
• Decametre: Ten metres.
• Hectometre: One hundred metres.
• Kilometre: One thousand metres.

See also

• Metric system
• International System of Units
• Length
• Measurement